That said, in recent years, the crisis has deepened with the arrival of web giants such as Facebook and Google. The content aggregators that the Internet has given rise to have multiplied at little cost, without producing original content, with very little or no investment in journalism, and few ethical rules pertaining to the news.
Some news sites and the multiplication of social networks result in the mixing of genres, but without guaranteeing source credibility. They spread rumours or fake news, which leads to disinformation, while giving the impression of truth or verified facts. Social networks are full of fake news, which flies in the face of a responsible press and journalistic rigour, values we strongly defend. These trends are harmful to a healthy democracy.
By controlling the algorithms, the web giants have cannibalized our revenues, without assuming any of the associated social and fiscal responsibilities. They have upended the business model and diminished the real value of the news. In particular, they have attracted 80% of the advertising dollars of companies and local and regional businesses without providing any tangible benefits to those communities. In just a few years, without paying any taxes, these web giants have eroded the revenues of traditional media, which for decades have invested time and money in their communities, encouraged their businesses and professionals, supported their institutions, and served the public interest of their fellow citizens.
Hebdos Québec therefore supports the basic approach of Bill C‑18 to address the market imbalance between global web platforms and news publishers. Collective bargaining is also the only way for us to address this obvious power imbalance.
A Pollara Strategic Insights survey conducted on behalf of News Media Canada indicated that 90% of Canadians consider it important for local media to survive, and 79% agree that the web giants must share their revenues with the media.
Would you like to add anything, Mr. Chartier?